What can I do to improve Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction may seem like the end of the world at first – no more raging boners to please your partner, no more sex on the spot, humiliation from not being able to get it up. Yes, it may feel like a grim future but don’t despair. Hope lies ahead for men with ED. You can recover your sex life. What are the causes of Erectile Dysfunction?

If you suspect you suffer from erectile dysfunction – if you are impotent more than half the times you attempt to have sex – you should consult a doctor in order to receive a full diagnosis.

Symptoms of erectile dysfunction can be due to either physical or psychological causes. Keep in mind, however, these symptoms are sometimes signs of other, more serious conditions, some of which can be considered standalone disorders.

Male sexual arousal is a complex process that engages both physical and emotional factors. Multiple systems must work in perfect harmony to generate a long-lasting erection. Although emotional causes should be taken into account, approximately 80 percent of men seeking treatment for ED do so because of physical reasons. These include:

Alcoholism and drug abuse

Atherosclerosis

Diabetes

High cholesterol

High blood pressure

Heart disease

Cancer treatments

Obesity

Multiple sclerosis

Parkinson’s disease

Pelvic injuries

Poor sleeping habits

Prescription medicine

Smoking

While physical causes of ED become more prevalent the older a man gets, psychological factors, on the other hand, are more commonly found in younger men, and are responsible for 10 to 20 percent of erectile dysfunction cases. They are, however, more difficult to diagnose and treatment may require therapy and even lifestyle changes. Occasionally, they can be a secondary reaction to an underlying physical cause, or stem from a deeper issue such as childhood abuse or sexual trauma.

The most common psychological causes of E.D. include:

Stress

Anxiety

Depression

Guilt

Low confidence and self-esteem

Indifference

Performance anxiety

All men experience erectile dysfunction symptoms to some degree during their lives. If it happens from time to time, it’s not a reason to worry. But if the issue becomes persistent – if you have difficulty getting an erection more than half the time, if it has a negative effect on your self-esteem – then you should seek medical assistance. Whether your symptoms are due to physical or emotional causes, treatment may be necessary.

Lifestyle changes for treating Erectile Dysfunction

E.D. is usually a sign that your body is not healthy.

The following items are believed to be connected to erectile dysfunction:

Medication

Smoking

Consuming alcohol

Recreational drug use

Lack of exercise

Obesity

To improve your erectile dysfunction condition, try incorporating lifestyle changes that will provide your body with a healthy blood flow. Improve your eating habits, quit smoking, drink less, engage in regular physical activities, including weight training and aerobic exercises – these ideas are only the beginning. In order to see real improvement, first change the way you think about sex and health in general. Remember, your body will respond to the way you treat it.

Performance Anxiety

For many men it’s normal to feel pressure during sex. Not only are you expected to produce a strong, long-lasting erection, but it’s also your responsibility to please your partner – at least that’s what you’ve been told your entire life. When you overthink sex too much, it starts to feel less pleasurable and more like a chore. And that, in itself, is what is known as Performance Anxiety.

Performance Anxiety has the unique ability to grow more powerful with time. For example, if you fail to perform once, the next time you have sex you might feel anxious, stressed and preoccupied, thus making it more difficult to achieve an erection. Eventually, this can lead to chronic erectile dysfunction.

Talking to your partner can alleviate the symptoms of Performance Anxiety. Having a clear understanding of your expectations, putting your worries and anxieties out in the open, being honest and transparent about what gives you pleasure – this is the attitude that will help get your sex life back on track.